When two closely related species are in close contact, hybrids often occur. This natural hybrid growing at Mustila is an example of an intermediate form showing characteristics of both parents. It was collected in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States as rosebay, also called great laurel (R. maximum), but doubts arose in the seedling stage that it might be a hybrid.
The shrub is strong growing and hardy, with some specimens unusually erect for rhododendrons, almost tree-like. The pale violet flowers display the influence of the other parent, the Catawba rhododendron (R. catawbiense), though they are paler, in some cases looking ice blue. There is some variation between individual shrubs, as is usual with crosses.
Ryhmittely
Lehtipuut ja -pensaat
